According to Forbes, when an individual sends incongruent verbal and nonverbal messages, the receiver is likely to “believe the predominant nonverbal message over the verbal one." People can pick up when your body language and words don’t align. Your facial expressions say much more than your actual words. Especially when it comes to providing great employee and customer journeys, facial expressions matter the most.
Reflect on how to use positive facial expressions
Learning how to use positive facial expressions is fundamental in developing and honing your communication skills. Start by simply taking a moment to reflect.
Do you believe your facial expressions speak louder than your words?
Exercises to help you use positive facial expressions
Now, it's time to put your reflection into action. Finding opportunities to implement your communication skills can allow you to use positive facial expressions.
- Smile not only with your mouth but with your eyes when it comes naturally. Genuinely displaying this type of holistic smile shows that you’re friendly and approachable.
- Use your hands to cover your yawn or turn off your camera whether you’re in a Zoom or in-person meeting. Yawning can come off as distracting or signal you’re uninterested.
- Maintain appropriate eye contact without staring. If you feel uncomfortable, imagine an inverted triangle around their eyes and mouth and change your gaze from one point to another.
Why facial expressions matter at work
Your face communicates before you say a word. Research on nonverbal communication suggests people read tone and expression faster than the words themselves, so a warm, engaged expression helps your message land and makes others feel comfortable. The opposite is also true: a flat or tense expression can signal disinterest even when you do not mean it.
How to use positive facial expressions
- Lead with a genuine smile. A real smile reaches the eyes and instantly lowers tension in a conversation.
- Make steady eye contact. It shows you are present and listening, without staring.
- Nod to show you are following. Small nods encourage the speaker and signal understanding.
- Relax your face. Unclench your jaw and soften your brow so a neutral expression does not read as annoyance.
- Match the moment. Mirror the emotional tone of the conversation rather than wearing a fixed expression.
Common mistakes to avoid
Forced or held smiles can look insincere, and a neutral resting face is often misread as disapproval. On video calls, looking at your own image or a second screen reads as distraction, so keep your eyes near the camera and let your expression stay open and responsive.
Frequently asked questions
What are positive facial expressions?
Positive facial expressions are open, warm cues such as genuine smiles, relaxed brows, and attentive eye contact that signal interest, approachability, and engagement.
How can I improve my facial expressions in virtual meetings?
Position your camera at eye level, look toward the lens when speaking, and exaggerate engagement slightly since expressions read as more muted on screen.
